Sadc calls for regional integration

Joshua Muswere

Herald Correspondent

THE Southern African Development Community has revised the Trans-frontier Conservation Area programme and approved four natural resource management strategies to manage the region’s vast natural resources through the SADC Treaty framework.

Speaking at a SADC TFCA Workshop conducted in Harare yesterday, the SADC Secretariat and Senior Programme Officer responsible for Natural Resources and Wildlife, Ms Ndapanda Kanime, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among the regional body’s member states in the implementation of approved strategies and the revised TFCA programme to achieve sustainable development in the region.

“It is now in our hands as member states to conserve our natural resources, it is for our sustainable development and the benefit of our communities.

“Therefore, our collective dreams to conserve our natural resources is our responsibility and all organisations involved in the implementation of these important documents,” Ms Kanime said.

The various strategies were approved by the region’s Ministers of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism (ENRT) during a SADC Ministers Council meeting held in the city of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2023 except for the SADC Foresty Strategy (2020-2030) which was adopted in 2021.

In a bid to support adequate implementation of the TFCA’s programme guided by the protocol on wildlife, the member states approved the SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-poaching Strategy (2022-2032) aiming at sustainable reduction in wildlife crime by the year 2032, further enhancing professionalism of protected areas, sustainable resources and regional collaboration.

As part of the Wildlife Economy strategy framework, it seeks to intertwine wildlife preservations focusing on globally competitive wildlife-based value chains and socio-economic development.

Director General of Zimparks Dr Fulton Mangwanya stressed the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders .

“I would like to highlight that the SADC protocol and other frameworks provide us with a unique opportunity to promote integrated management of our shared resources, enhancing a holistic government approach, fostering regional co-operation and economic co-operation.”

“As a country, we have witnessed the power of collaboration. If we work together, we can safeguard and preserve our diverse biodiversity, advocate for sustainable land use and natural resource management practices, support initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and cultivate inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

The MoUs provide for an interim arrangement that facilitates negotiations towards the signing of a binding agreement to formally establish the respective TFCA.